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T5
Reconstructing the maximum extent of Loch Lomond Stadial glaciation in Britain
H.L. Bickerdike 1 *, D.J.A. Evans 1 , C.R. Stokes 1 and C. O’Cofaigh 1
1 Durham University, Durham, England
This paper details an ongoing Ph.D. project which aims to determine the maximum extent
of Loch Lomond Stadial (LLS) glaciation in Britain. This will be done, in part, by compiling
geomorphological evidence from the existing academic literature into a GIS database,
similar to the BRITICE project (Clark et al., 2004). Despite having been extensively
studied over the last century, the majority of LLS research has been in the form of
localised mapping of specific case studies. By synthesising this evidence into a single GIS
database, this project will overcome the spatially inconsistent and fragmented nature of
the existing research and facilitate comparison of landform assemblages at inter-valley
and inter-regional scales, thereby improving understanding of LLS glacier dynamics.
Georeferencing techniques have been used to align previous maps with an underlying
base map. Landforms have been entered into the GIS using on-screen digitising and,
where possible, were checked using an underlying digital terrain model (NEXTMAP) and
aerial photographs. The final map will include ice marginal features (end, lateral,
recessional and hummocky moraines and drift limits), meltwater channels and relict
periglacial features (solifluction sheets and lobes, blockfields, scree and talus). The
citation for each feature will be recorded in its attribute data to enable consultation of the
original source. Taken together, the evidence will be used to inform a glacial
reconstruction that better constrains LLS glaciation during the stadial. The GIS shapefiles,
and accompanying glacial map, will be made available for web download. It is hoped that
this will provide a resource to stimulate further research, particularly in constraining
numerical modelling and guiding fieldwork to specific areas of persisting uncertainty.
Keywords: Loch Lomond Stadial; Britain; geomorphology; glacial reconstruction; GIS.
Clark, C.D., Evans, D.J.A., Khatwa, A., Bradwell, T., Jordan, C.J., Marsh, S.H., Mitchell, W.A. and
Bateman, M. D. 2004. Map and GIS database of glacial landforms and features related to the last
British Ice Sheet. Boreas, Vol 33, 359-375.